Chris Jericho's Most Iconic WWE Finishing Moves

Chris Jericho, or Y2J as many fans affectionately know him, is a name synonymous with wrestling greatness. Spanning decades, his career has seen him evolve and adapt, always keeping fans on the edge of their seats. A significant part of what makes a wrestler memorable is their finishing move—that signature maneuver that signals the end for their opponent and sends the crowd into a frenzy. Jericho has had several over the years, each with its own unique flair and impact. So, let's dive into some of Chris Jericho's most iconic WWE finishing moves, exploring what made them so effective and memorable.

The Walls of Jericho: A Submission Masterpiece

The Walls of Jericho is arguably Chris Jericho's most famous and enduring finishing move. This submission hold is a modified version of the Boston Crab, where Jericho would trap his opponent's legs and crank back, putting immense pressure on their lower back. What made this move so effective was not just the pain it inflicted, but also the visual spectacle. Jericho would often taunt the crowd while applying the hold, amplifying the drama and getting the audience even more invested in the match's outcome.

Evolution of the Walls

Over the years, the Walls of Jericho saw several variations. Initially, Jericho would execute a standard Boston Crab, but as his career progressed, he added his own twist. One notable variation involved Jericho stepping on his opponent's back while applying the hold, increasing the pressure and the likelihood of a submission. This adaptation showcased Jericho's ingenuity and his commitment to evolving his character and move set.

Psychological Impact

Beyond the physical pain, the Walls of Jericho also had a significant psychological impact on Jericho's opponents. The move was often built up as an inescapable hold, creating a sense of dread and inevitability whenever Jericho locked it in. This psychological warfare was a key component of Jericho's success, as he often had his opponents beaten before they even stepped into the ring. The move became so synonymous with Jericho that any wrestler caught in its grasp seemed destined to submit.

Memorable Moments

There are countless memorable moments involving the Walls of Jericho. One that stands out is his match against Triple H at WrestleMania X8. In front of a roaring crowd, Jericho locked in the Walls, and the tension was palpable. The crowd was on their feet, willing Triple H to escape. Moments like these cemented the Walls of Jericho as one of the most iconic finishing moves in WWE history. Each time Jericho applied the Walls, fans knew they were witnessing something special, a moment that could change the course of the match in an instant.

The Codebreaker: A Lightning-Fast Decimator

In contrast to the slow, torturous nature of the Walls of Jericho, the Codebreaker is a lightning-fast and devastating maneuver. This move involves Jericho hooking his arms around his opponent's neck and dropping to his knees, driving his knees into their face. The sudden impact and unexpected nature of the Codebreaker made it an incredibly effective finisher. It could come out of nowhere, catching opponents off guard and leaving them vulnerable for the pin.

Impact and Innovation

The Codebreaker quickly became one of Jericho's most popular finishers due to its spectacular and unpredictable nature. Unlike traditional wrestling moves, the Codebreaker felt fresh and innovative. Its high-impact delivery made it a crowd-pleaser, and its ability to be executed from various positions added to its versatility. Jericho could hit the Codebreaker after a series of counters, or even as a surprise attack, making it a constant threat to his opponents.

Strategic Use

Jericho's strategic use of the Codebreaker further enhanced its effectiveness. He often used it as a counter to his opponent's signature moves, turning their offense against them in a split second. This not only protected his opponents but also made Jericho look incredibly smart and adaptable in the ring. The Codebreaker became a symbol of Jericho's wrestling IQ, showcasing his ability to think on his feet and capitalize on any opening.

Memorable Moments

One of the most memorable Codebreaker moments occurred during Jericho's feud with Shawn Michaels. In a heated battle, Jericho delivered a Codebreaker that sent Michaels crashing through the window of Chris Jericho's Highlight Reel set. The visual was stunning and brutal, perfectly encapsulating the intensity of their rivalry. Such moments solidified the Codebreaker as a move capable of delivering not just a victory, but also a statement.

Other Notable Moves

While the Walls of Jericho and the Codebreaker are his most well-known finishers, Chris Jericho has had other notable moves throughout his career that deserve mention. These moves, though not always used as finishers, played a significant role in his matches and contributed to his overall success.

The Lionsault

The Lionsault is a high-flying maneuver that showcases Jericho's athleticism and daredevil spirit. This move involves Jericho performing a springboard moonsault onto his opponent. The Lionsault was a staple of Jericho's early career and helped him gain recognition as a versatile performer who could mix technical wrestling with high-risk offense. While he didn't always use it to win matches, the Lionsault was a crowd-pleasing move that highlighted his physical prowess and willingness to take risks.

The Breakdown

The Breakdown is a double underhook facebuster that Jericho used during his time in WCW and early WWE career. This move involved Jericho hooking both of his opponent's arms, lifting them into the air, and then driving their face into the mat. While not as iconic as the Walls or the Codebreaker, the Breakdown was a solid and effective move that helped Jericho establish himself as a credible threat in the ring. It demonstrated his ability to deliver a variety of impactful moves and keep his opponents guessing.

Judas Effect

Since joining All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Chris Jericho has introduced a new finisher called the Judas Effect. The Judas Effect is a spinning back elbow that has quickly become one of the most protected finishers in AEW. Its sudden impact and Jericho's dedication to making it look devastating have made it a credible and effective move. The Judas Effect has allowed Jericho to continue evolving his character and move set, proving that he remains a relevant and innovative force in the wrestling world. It is a testament to his ability to adapt and stay ahead of the curve, even after decades in the business.

In conclusion, Chris Jericho's finishing moves have been a crucial part of his success and legacy in professional wrestling. From the torturous Walls of Jericho to the lightning-fast Codebreaker and the recent Judas Effect, each move has added a unique dimension to his character and matches. These moves have not only helped him win countless championships but have also created memorable moments that fans will cherish for years to come. Chris Jericho's ability to evolve his move set and adapt to different eras of wrestling is a testament to his longevity and his status as one of the greatest performers of all time. Whether he's locking in the Walls, delivering a Codebreaker, or unleashing the Judas Effect, Chris Jericho always finds a way to leave a lasting impression on the wrestling world. So, next time you see Y2J in the ring, keep an eye out for these iconic finishers – you never know when he might pull one out and change the course of history!